Frequently Asked Questions

Service

How does your service work?

We initially perform an assessment test to determine what the student needs to work on during the course of his/her stay at Homework Buddy, in addition to fulfilling his/her day to day school requirements. A study plan is prepared each time a student comes for one-on-one tutoring and is forwarded to the parent/guardian after the student’s visit. The minimum time for a one-on-one session is one hour. Parents or older children may request more hours for each session in advance.
Certain plans include unlimited homework/study time. During this extra time, students work independently. This is intended to develop self-reliance and proper attitude toward their tasks. However, a roaming tutor is assigned to monitor and assist them in case they have any question or concern. (The number of roaming tutors will depend on the number of students on the floor and their requirements.)
Students earn reward points for enrollment, special achievements, and overall good behavior.

How are you different from your competitors?

We work in line with the school curriculum and can help with any school academic subject(s). We offer flexibility in scheduling center visits. Our students are given the option to come any day and time within center hours until their purchased hours are consumed. And, our hourly rates are generally lower than the competition.

What qualifications do your tutors have?

The entry level for a tutorial position in our center is for the candidate to be at college/university level with above average credentials, passed all employment assessment tests, training, background checks, and most importantly, have the passion to help children.

Can my child have the same tutor every time?

As much as possible, we have the student receive instruction from the same tutor. However, we are not able to guarantee, as changes in student and center requirements may not always make it possible for us to do so. Nonetheless, we keep a complete log of your child’s activities at the center and anyone of our well-qualified tutors would be able to handle the job.

If my child has unused hours, can these be carried forward to the next month?

Unused hours may not be carried forward to the next month. We also do not issue any refund for unused hours. We encourage you to plan in advance your child’s visit to the center.

What is the best way to contact you?

The best way to contact us is by email to support@hwbtutor.com. Our emails are checked regularly. We will make sure to call you as soon as possible when needed and if so requested. We intend to devote as much time as possible in handling your children's requirements, therefore we ask that you please limit your call to the center for emergency and other very urgent matters only.

Can my child go to the center just for independent study time?

Only students with plans that include unlimited homework/study time may stay at the center for such purpose. They may use this extra time before or after their one-on-one instruction and on any day the center is open.

Can my child bring food at the center?

Your child may only bring water with him/her to the center. If you wish to bring food because of a special occasion (like your child’s birthday) or because of any other concern, please pre-arrange with the Center Director.

Pricing

When is my payment due? When is my payment considered late?

All payments are due in advance. Monthly payments are to be paid on or before the 1st day of tutoring. A payment shall be considered late if received after this day.

Can we convert our plan to another plan?

You may convert your current plan to another plan within 15 days from the day you purchased your current plan. A $10 fee is charged for each plan conversion.

If I took a six-month commitment plan, when can my security deposit be applied towards my child’s tuition?

It could be applied as payment for the 6th month or remain as security deposit for the next 6 months.

What happens if I’m not able to fulfill my six-month commitment?

Your plan will be converted to a Month-to-Month plan and the difference will be covered by your security deposit. Any remaining funds from your security deposit may only be used to pay for tuition or any other charges. We do not issue a refund of security deposit. If the remaining funds are not sufficient to pay for the following month’s tuition, additional payment need be made. If tuition is not paid in full, the remaining security deposit may be forfeited.

Can I still avail of the discounted rate after six months of continual tutoring?

The discount will still apply after six months of continual tutoring.

Can we purchase additional hours?

Additional hours may be purchased by students with active plans.

Can we pay with a debit or credit card?

We do accept debit and credit card payments. However for Amex payments, there is an additional 2% charge.

Do I get a discount if I enroll more than one child at the center?

We offer a discount of $5 a month for each sibling enrolled at the center. (The discount cannot be applied to any other family member.)

Are there other fees I have to pay aside from the cost of the plan I selected?

The fees below are incidental fees:

$25 per additional hour or fraction (Plans 2, 3)

$35 per additional hour or fraction (Plans 1, J, S)

$10 plan conversion fee

$10 late payment fee

$25 returned check fee

Scheduling

Can my child come any day or time to the center when it is open?

You have the option to take your child to the center any day and time during center operational hours. The latest time for notification is 9 am the day prior to your child’s earliest planned visit. A confirmation will subsequently be sent to you within two hours. If no confirmation is received, please email us at sched@hwbtutor.com. Only confirmed schedules are guaranteed. Please avoid surprise visits. You would not want your child to come to the center only to be kept waiting or sent back home if there is no available tutor to assist him/her at that time. Although not required, it is always best to pre-arrange center visits. Students earn points for doing so.

How do I notify if I wish my child to attend or cancel a session?

You may book your child's tutoring session(s) using your given online account by clicking "Request Lesson" from the Calendar option of the navigation menu. For schedule changes and cancellation, please email us at sched@hwbtutor.com. Please do not call the center for scheduling requirements. You will only be asked to do the same. The three things you need to let us know when changing or cancelling a session are: your name (first and last), the date(s), and the start & end time of the session(s). You are also welcome to include any special instruction and/or tutor preference. However not guaranteed, we will try our best to accommodate your request.

What happens if I am not able to notify cancellation of my child's session(s)?

If we have not received any notification from you to cancel a previously arranged tutoring session or if notification is received late, the number of hour(s) booked for said session will be deducted as used hour(s) from your remaining paid hours or from your security deposit, whichever applies.